SCB Hospital fire toll touches 12; Oppn demands resignation of Odisha Health Minister

BHUBANESWAR: In the wake of the tragic fire incident at the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha on Monday, that claimed 12 lives, the Opposition Biju Janata Dal (BJD) and Indian National Congress on Tuesday launched a massive protest in the Odisha Assembly, demanding the immediate resignation of Health Minister Mukesh Mahaling on moral grounds.

As proceedings of the Question Hour began on Tuesday, the Opposition party members along with posters, rushed to the podium of the Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, raising anti-government slogans and demanding the resignation of the health minister.

The House was first adjourned until 12 noon and subsequently until 4 p.m. as the ruckus continued.

Speaking in the House during the zero-hour proceedings, Leader of Opposition Naveen Patnaik said, “Yesterday, I visited SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack. What I witnessed was not just a scene of a tragic accident, but a stark reminder of the crumbling safety standards in our state's premier healthcare institution.”

Expressing his deepest condolences to the bereaved families, Patnaik further added that the patients who came to the hospital with the hope of recovery met a horrific end due to administrative negligence.